Michael Beale has explained what has really impressed him about Jack Clarke since joining Sunderland two months ago.
Jack Clarke already had interest from the likes of Burnley, Brighton and Crystal Palace prior to Michael Beale’s appointment, while he hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down since.
The winger has scored four goals and provided three assists in the nine league games under the new manager, taking his tally to 18 goal contributions for the campaign.
Sunderland turned down bids from Lazio for Clarke in the January window and looks extremely likely to move to the Premier League in the summer, though he has already told the media that he remains ‘happy’ to be on Wearside.
Clarke is likely to be the key to the Black Cats’ race to the playoffs this season and has been exceptional in doing so so far, while Beale believes he has already improved a lot in his short tenure so far.
Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, the 43-year-old said: “You see all the things that Jack does in terms of the final third but I get a unique insight into him in terms of the boy.
“So now I’m working with him, I can see that he’s super fit, he wants to get better and so he’s asking questions – he’s improved defensively since I’ve been here just by taking on some advice. In the big moments in the game, he doesn’t go hiding and he steps up for his club and for his team mates. He’s calm in front of goal. I wouldn’t want to compare him to anyone but I would say that he’s an impressive young man, not just an impressive footballer.”
How has Jack Clarke improved?
Jack Clarke‘s ability in front of goal was already undeniable, but prior to Michael Beale‘s arrival, the attacker only had one assist to his name.
After providing one assist in 23 games in the Championship, Clarke now has three in the last two months.
It is a side of his game that he thrived off last season but has only just brought into action this time round – which could well be credit to his attacking teammates too.
Clarke is only continuing to get better, but it does actually feel like the team aren’t relying on him as much too.
While he still gets a large chunk of our goals, we do seem to see the ball come down that right hand side a lot more too.
It seems to be much more of a team game for Sunderland now, though Clarke’s remarkable talent certainly helps.